I've been playing the Sims games since they came out (Sims1) but I think the game truly came to its full potential with Sims 3. While playing it, I forget the real world, I get too involved. Yep it's dangerous but I know it will slack off in a while when the newness has worn off a bit.
I never got involved in the community but I intend to do that more now.
I'd love to meet other Sims enthusiasts, so drop me a line :)